In photos: Lovely Italian horses (that may be able to see into your soul)

Amber Rawlings: Why horses?

Domenico Matera: Since I was a child, I’ve always been captivated by horses. I consider them to be highly sensitive animals. In my region, which is rich in green hills and forests, I’ve often seen them running through the meadows atop the mountains, moving with the wind and seeking refuge from the sun under the trees. This has sparked a profound fascination in me, leading me to observe and study them more closely. One afternoon, I visited a riding school located half an hour from my home. I felt drawn to explore the energy I had witnessed in them — so free and powerful in their natural habitat. I wanted to see if they displayed the same vitality when in contact with humans.

AR: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about horses while photographing them?

DM: I felt a powerful energy in their presence — as if being swept along by a cosmic current. The more I observed them, the stronger this energy became. In the iris of the horse, I could see the nebulae of the universe, sensing a deep interconnection between all living beings and the cosmos. I’m captivated by their eyes, which seem like gateways to the cosmos. I imagine horses dream of running freely through sunlit meadows, living without judgment, and surrounded by love. As I was about to approach one of them, I suddenly noticed the remains of a cow’s spine on a hill where the wild horses had gathered to graze. Against the backdrop of that skeletal structure, I saw the stallion, full of life. In that instant, I was enveloped by the realization that everything is part of a universal cosmic flow, advancing progressively through time, in which all living things will eventually dissolve. Yet the greatness that endures forever is the positive energy, the love that exists in the universe.

AR: Do you remember your first encounter with these animals?

DM: My first encounter with horses was when I was five years old, during a falconry show. Honestly, I don’t remember many details from that experience, but I was deeply amazed by the size of these creatures, which were completely unfamiliar to me. I remember feeling irritated by the fact that humans rode on them, and I thought it was completely unfair. I was also struck by the wavy motion of their tails, and how, like humans, they had hair that resembled ours. I recall wanting to pet them right away, and I felt no fear at all. Though the moment was brief, it was intense.

AR: How do you get the horses to trust you with your camera?

DM: I sought to create a natural connection, gradually approaching them through sensory contact. The wild horses, initially not accustomed to humans, are very shy and timid. But they possess the same allure as an eagle or hawk — they observe you from a distance, and if a person behaves naturally and aligns with their sensitivity, they slowly begin to approach. When we are centered within ourselves, we naturally become powerful centers of attraction, radiating a magnetic field that draws everything we are meant to attract. I allowed myself to be immersed in this strong natural pull, attempting to express through visual language the enthusiasm, irony, and mystery that horses inspired in me. I looked at them with the curious eyes of a child, paying attention to the smallest details — the colors of their coats, the thick hair that sometimes obscured their faces, and the energy conveyed by their muscles and posture.

AR: You talk about horses seeing our “souls” — has a horse ever seemed to read yours?

DM: Yes, I have experienced a moment when a horse seemed to read my soul. It was truly intense — we embraced one another inwardly, intertwined in that unforgettable instant, leaving a mark on the trajectory of our lives. I felt as though we could trust each other unconditionally, free from judgment, completely absorbed in that incredible flow of positive energy.

AR: Kids connect better with horses than adults — why do you think that is?

DM: I believe that children are able to connect more deeply with horses because both are naturally drawn to their surroundings and their own nature. Children do not confine things — they are intrinsically connected to space and time. They live constantly in the here and now, authentically attracted to everything that excites them and makes them dream. In the same way, a horse loves the fields where it can run freely, the energy of the wind that it feels in its mane, the grass it eats, the tree under which it seeks shelter, and unconditionally loves its fellow creatures.

AR: Do you talk to the horses while shooting?

DM: I don’t speak to them directly — I stroke them and try to convey trust and empathy. We communicate in terms of energy. At times, I have the feeling that we can interact with them through the power of thought and communicate with our minds. We help each other, live in harmony with nature, cultivating enthusiasm and love for life, nurturing a sense of hope, and always dreaming big.

AR: If these horses could say one thing about your photos, what would it be?

DM: They might find joy in seeing themselves reflected in my images. Recognizing themselves and their kind, they could experience a sense of unconditional joy. I believe that if they could speak, they would say something like, “I wish I could roll in the grass and run through the green meadows, sticking out my tongue and teasing this human who tries to talk to us!”

AR: What do horses have that humans don’t?

DM: Through sensory contact with horses, I sensed a pure energy — something incredibly essential. It doesn’t crave anything outside of itself, nor does it shrink inward, exalt itself, or sink into depression. Instead, it shines with a light that allows it to see the truth of all things. In this way, I believe horses are deeply interconnected with the universe. They have the ability to teach humans how to live in harmony with nature. When watching them run in a group, I had the sense that horses know how to orient themselves and can perceive their position within a landscape, reaching specific places without getting lost, guided by an inner light — almost like a superpower, a magnetoreceptor. During my interactions with them, I felt immersed in this energy — I experienced pure emotions linked to the infinite vastness of the universe and nature.

AR: Ever had a horse ruin a perfect shot?

DM: It often happens that the curiosity of horses drives them to make restless and sudden movements, which can disrupt the idea of capturing their details. Sometimes, with a quick shift, they startle you, and in addition to ruining the photo, they risk damaging all the equipment. But this only makes my interaction with them even more exciting. The unpredictability and energy they bring add an element of thrill and spontaneity, turning every moment into a unique experience.

AR: What music would these horses listen to?

DM: Haha, that’s a fantastic question! I like to imagine that they would listen to something energetic, like Jamie XX, Fred Again, Nicolas Jaar, Fontaines D.C., and Tame Impala. Their music has such a vibrant pulse and intensity, which seems like it would match the dynamic energy and spirit of horses. I can just picture them, swaying to those deep beats and immersive rhythms! What do you think — would the horses enjoy those sounds as much as we do?

*Only saw Domenico’s question as I was uploading this to the website. My answer? Yes, I think they do enjoy music as much as us. And I reckon the horse with the mental blue eyes is partial to a bit of Skrillex.*

AR: Are you the horse whisperer or are they the Domenico whisperers?

DM: They are undoubtedly the Domenico whisperers, guiding me through their silent yet powerful language. Horses, with their purity and sensitivity, possess a unique ability to connect with those who truly listen, and perhaps it is through them that we receive insights and inspiration. They are masters in communicating without words, and it is truly fascinating to consider how much they can convey through their behaviour and presence.

You can find more of Domenico’s photography here.